Suarez and miles power tcu to elite eight victory

SACRAMENTO, CA – Marta Suarez’s 33 points and 10 rebounds, alongside Olivia Miles’28 points and 10 rebounds, propelled No. 3 seed TCU to a 79-69 Sweet Sixteen victory over No. 10 seed Virginia on Saturday. The win marks TCU’s second consecutive appearance in the Elite Eight, setting up a Monday showdown with No. 1 seed South Carolina.

Tcu’s dynamic duo shines in road to elite eight

Miles, a senior and three-time All-American, demonstrated her all-around prowess with seven assists, further solidifying her status as a potential WNBA top pick. The Horned Frogs seized control in the second half with a decisive 17-4 run, effectively silencing a Virginia team that had previously navigated a challenging path through the tournament, including a road win against No. 2 seed Iowa in the First Four.

Virginia, led by Paris Clark’s 20 points and Kymora Johnson’s 18 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds, fought back late, closing the gap to six points with 27.1 seconds remaining. However, TCU’s superior rebounding – 38-27 – and the potent combination of Suarez and Miles proved too formidable to overcome. The first half saw both Suarez and Miles contribute significantly, but the rest of TCU’s roster struggled to find their rhythm.

This Elite Eight matchup against South Carolina is the second encounter between the two teams in as many seasons, with the Gamecocks holding a 85-52 victory in December 2024. TCU’s continued success underscores the evolving landscape of women’s college basketball, where established powerhouses face increasingly competitive challengers.

The Horned Frogs now have a clear path to the Final Four, a testament to their resilience and the exceptional talent of Suarez and Miles. Their performances are not just fueling a tournament run; they are shaping legacies.